Essential Dublin Tourist Attractions – Dublin Zoo,Guinness Storehouse, Dublin Castle and more.

There is so much to do in Dublin, it it tough to know the essential from the not. This is particularly important for tourists on weekend breaks when time is precious.

The best way to see the most of Dublin and to get a good taste of the culture and heritage is to take an open top bus tour. For many it can seem very cheesy but so much can be covered in a short period of time it is well worth it. It is also a great way to learn your way around the city. Dublin bus offer a hop on – hop off 24 hour ticket.

One of the first things you think of when you think of Dublin is Guinness and the Guinness Storehouse Tour. There you will learn the history of Guinness in Ireland through this self-guided tour in multiple languages finishing up in the famous Gravity bar located in the brewery with its 360 views of the Dublin Skyline. A real must.

For a real dose of culture and history there is no better place than Dublin castle. Located 10 min from Grafton Street Dublin Castle up until 1922 was the headquarters or British rule in Ireland. Taken over by the Freestate of Ireland in 1922 it is now home to the majority of State banquets and the Presidential inaugurations. Guided tours are available to traverse this vast historical venue and gives you a real taste of how Dublin has evolved since the Normans landed way back when.

For anyone interested in sport, Croke Park museum, is a great way to learn and have fun with Ireland’s national games housed inside Croke Park itself. This interactive tour not only recalls the history of Irish sport and its political links but also gives visitors a real taste for both Irish Football and Hurling.

Dublin Zoo, housed inside the biggest city park (Phoenix park) in Europe is a great way to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city center. Public transport is available to Phoenix park. Do not make the mistake of getting off at the entrance to the park and thinking the zoo is close. The zoo entrance is roughly 5 km from the front gates. As mentioned the zoo is located within the Phoenix park which itself is home to much wildlife including families of deer which run wild throughout the park. the zoo itself has the usual mix of animals and real family favourite.

I hope this is helpful to you and if you want to suggest other places please do, or if you have any questions on the places I mention just  ask.

Electric Cars on their way to Ireland!

http://http://www.flickr.com/photos/f-r-a-n-k/359123912/ / frankh

Most people will remember the old TV shows like Space 1999 and Lost in Space. We are now well into 2010 and where is my unicolour jumpsuit or steak dinner in pill form? Even Hollywood predicted we would be using hoverboards by 2015 in Back to the Future II. Although we haven’t developed as many predicted, 2010 will go down in history with the introduction of the usage of electric cars to Dublin. Although it is quite possible that people have owned electric cars in Dublin, the first ever charge points have been unveiled in Dublin powered by ESB.

ESB plan to establish 1500 across Dublin, Galway, limerick, Cork and Waterford. This means for the first time, having an electric car is a viable option. until now a motorist would only be able to travel as far from their house allowing enough power to get back home and recharge.

I expect the pick up of people buying electric cars to be slow. Many people myself included don’t particularly like change and its not something I would consider yet.

But what would make people switch. Since we operate a tax system based on CO2 emissions, will people need to pay any tax at all? Could we open up bus lanes to electric cars? Could we offer free public parking? There are many incentives we could offer for early adopters.

The cost of running these electric cars I assume is minimal? No more expensive petrol bills! I think it will be a while before I get my hoverboard but I may get my electric car by the end of the decade.

Adare

http://www.flickr.com/photos/romanscheiwiller/ / CC BY-SA 2.0

Adare village in west Limerick is one of those idyllic places that you only see once in a while. This beautifully kept, quaint village is an attraction in itself, but is also surrounded by some great things to see and do.

Adare village, known as ‘Ireland’s prettiest village’, is a natural stopping off point for anyone travelling between Limerick and Kerry. Just 10 miles or so outside Limerick, it is located on the main Limerick to Tralee road.

As soon as you enter Adare you realise it is a little bit special. Perfectly manicured gardens, thatched cottages and old Tudor homes line the main street. The landscaped public spaces and old Norman castle beside the River Maigue provide the perfect backdrop to this beautiful scene.

And while many people just stop off for an hour or two to take in the scenery, it really is worth spending a night or two in Adare as there is plenty to see and do outside the village as well. Adare Manor and its 18 hole championship golf course is well worth a visit even if you do not plan to walk the fairways, while the nearby Celtic Theme Park, Glenstal Abbey and Currachase Forest Park are also well worth exploring. There is excellent fishing in the area, while you could always take a quick day trip into Limerick city for some shopping.

After a long day of sightseeing you will find excellent restaurants and pubs in Adare where you can find good food, good music and even better company. You will also find plenty of accommodation options in the village including hotels, B&Bs, guesthouses and even a campsite. For a good mix between comfort and value for money, Berkely Lodge is worth checking out.

All in all, Adare village is not to be missed. After all, you will want to tell your friends that you visited the ‘prettiest village in Ireland’.

10 Things to Do in Cork Before You Die

County Cork, specifically Cork City, is one of the most vibrant areas in Ireland, with so much to do and see. Here are 10 of the best things to do in Cork, to make your stay all the more memorable. There are many attractions within Cork City itself, but if you are interested in exploring some of the stunning south coast of Cork, a car rental with Atlas Car Hire Ireland is the way forward.

10 – Walk Around St Patrick’s
Cork City’s main road, St. Patrick Street, is lined with a variety of stores, and has become one of the main shopping areas in the downtown neighborhood. Scattered along the road are street furniture and pedestrian walkways, for those who just want to relax and pass the time away. A prominent figure on the street is the statue of Father Theobald Matthew, which is situated near St. Patrick’s Bridge.

9 – Firtzgerald’s Park
Near the River Lee is Fitzgerald’s Park, an ideal place to stroll around. On the park itself, one will find a café known as the Tea house, and the Georgian house, where the Cork Public Museum lies. The University College York is located at the end of the park by the river. Inside the University is a display of Ogham Stones and the Homan Chapel.

8 – Kiss The Blarney Stone
Blarney Castle, which is located near the River Martin, is home of the famous Blarney Stone. This stone is also known as the Stone of Eloquence, as it allegedly bestows eloquence to those who kiss it.

Aside from the Blarney Stone, the Blarney Castle also has another hidden gem. The Rocklose Gardens surround the castle, and are filled with rock formations. There is also a mansion, known as Blarney House, which is open to all.

7 – St Finbarr’s Cathedral and Shandon Church
On Dean Street lies one of the most popular places of worship in Cork, St. Finnbarr’s Cathedral. Allegedly built where the original Cork settlement was first established, St. Finnbarr’s Cathedral is a testimony to the magnificence of 19th century gothic architecture. The interior is made of marble mosaics, and windows of stained glass show specific scenes from the Bible.

Another must-see for tourists is Shandon Church, which lies on a hill near the river. The Shandon Steeple, along with the Shandon Bells, can be seen from various areas in the city.

6 – Explore Cork City’s Past with a Museum Tour
Near the Shandon Church lies the Cork Butter Museum. In the past, Cork was a center of butter trade. The museum focuses on the history of this trade, and even includes an exhibit showing how butter is made traditionally.

Another place to visit is the Cork City Gaol, which looks like a castle from outside. It has been converted into a museum depicting the gaol’s history.

5 – Gaelic Sports
Gaelic sports, such as Gaelic football and hurling, are played during the summer at the Pairc Ui Chaoimh Stadium, located at Cork’s Marina Walk. Also try out several spectator sports, such as Horse Racing and Greyhound Racing in Curraheen Park.

4 – Markets in Cork
The English Market is the usual source of ingredients of most restaurants in the area. Also check out the Coal Quay Market, especially during Fridays and Saturdays. You’re bound to find a treasure amidst all the home-baked pastries, organic goods, furniture, clothes and even instruments.

3 – Enjoy the Tastes of Cork
Cork has an abundance of restaurants in the area. You can choose from a number of restaurants serving traditional and contemporary Irish cuisine, such as Crawford Gallery Café. Other places, such as Greenes and Jacques, serve international meals. Beamish and Crawford Brewery in South Main St. is another tourist attraction, where visitors are allowed to take a taste test after the tour.

2 – Party On In Cork
There are many things to do in Cork at night. For those who enjoy culture, the Cork Arts Theater and Everyman Palace might have what you want. Some of the more popular bars in Cork include O’ Flaherty’s, Brú Bar and Old Oak. There are also music clubs and dance clubs, such as Half Moon and Club FX.

1 – Enjoy the Festivals
If you’re looking for festivals, then you came to the right place. Local and international artists come to perform in Cork’s Guinness Jazz Festival and the Cork International Choral Festival. For those looking for a taste of culture, plan your trip around the Cork Midsummer Festival or the Cork Arts Festival. Cork’s St. Patrick festivities should also not be missed!

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Get to know Dublin

Taking some time off from your work and visiting Ireland’s capital is certainly exciting. Dublin is very popular among tourists because of the many historical and cultural sites that consider this city their home. You will be pleasantly surprised at how many these places are.

Culture

If you want a glimpse of Ireland’s remarkable culture, you can do so easily. See places like the Bram Stoker Museum, Dublin Castle and the Irish Museum of Modern Art – at your own time and leisure.

History

As the heart of this beautiful island, it is not surprising that this city continues to thrive today. There are quite a number of historical places that displays Ireland’s colourful past. To see landmarks such as the Kilmainham Gaol and the National Museum of Ireland, a car rental could come in handy. Discount Car Rental Ireland offer a 5% discount on all rates.

Before availing the services of a car rental, you should consider standard offers like Collision Damage Waiver, theft protection and 24-hour coverage, in case of breakdown. It would also be a plus if you are given a nice selection of model cars. Since you are not familiar with the area, receiving professional assistance will certainly come in handy. Your car rental provider must give importance to the quality of services they provide aside from offering them at affordable prices. It would be wise to compare services and prices before deciding on hiring one.

Getting intimate with Dublin is only possible if you can easily travel to and from all these places of interest. Being comfortable and relaxed is also very important.

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Clifden and The Sky Road

Clifden is situated on the west coast of Ireland in County Galway against the backdrop of the 12 Ben Mountains and beautiful rugged coastline. The town is the center of the Connemara area and is known locally as the Capital of Connemara. Clifden is a lively location full of shops, pubs, restaurants and cafés. While the major attraction in the area is the landscape, the town of Clifden is a great place to spend some time.

The Sky Road in Clifden is one of the best tourist attractions in the entire Connemara region. The circular route is 11km long and takes you out west from Clifden. Simply put, the scenery along the Sky Road is stunning. Very few places in Ireland can match the rugged beauty and range of scenery that can be seen from the Sky Road. The route is well signposted from Clifden and easy to find.

As you travel away from Clifden, the Sky Road separates into the lower and upper roads. The lower road will give you a very close up view of the landscape, but the upper road is most popular because of the views it offers over the entire area. There is a car park at the highest point of the road with plenty of room to park and take pictures.

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Family Attractions in Dingle

If you have decided to come to Dingle not just on your own, or even as a couple or group of adults, but rather have chosen to make a family vacation out of it, then wonderful! Dingle is a lovely place with plenty of peaceful attractions, but it can also rise to the occasion of accommodating a young and boisterous family as well, if need be.

The Irish people have a lovely, friendly, familial culture, and your children are sure to take great pleasure in immersing themselves in even the simplest of pleasures. Whether you choose to take the family out for a picnic, or perhaps want to go down to the harbour to watch the fishing boats, or simply take the children on an energetic nature walk to encourage them to blow off a little steam, you are bound to find something to delight your entire group.

Dingle alone has many simple, fun activities for families, but the Dingle Peninsula also has much to offer. A mere five miles to the west of Dingle village your family may be pleased to learn there is a lovely family attraction for animal lovers. Scanlon’s Pet Farm offers breathtaking views of the country all around, and adults are sure to appreciate it for its aesthetic virtues alone. Children will also delight in the assortment of simple farm life they can come into contact with; geese, hens, pigs, rabbits and even peacocks abound at this lovely area, as well as many other little creatures. You will find guided tours are available as well as a picnic and rest area, toilets, and a refreshment counter.

Also located close to Dingle is the Louis Mulcahy Pottery Workshop and Free Visitor Centre. Louis Mulcahy’s pottery is produced here, and a section of Mr Mulcahy’s workshop has been devoted to the amusement of visitors who want the chance to try their hand at the art. Children will delight in the tactile experience, and adults may be surprised at the degree of talent their little ones can display!

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If you have any thoughts on this article, or have any other suggestions regarding this article, please leave a comment.

Getting To Know Dublin

Taking some time off from your work and visiting Ireland’s capital is certainly exciting. Dublin is very popular among tourists because of the many historical and cultural sites that consider this city their home. You will be pleasantly surprised at how many these places are.

Culture

If you want a glimpse of Ireland’s remarkable culture, you can do so easily with a car rental Dublin. See places like the Bram Stoker Museum, Dublin Castle and the Irish Museum of Modern Art – at your own time and leisure. There is nothing more relaxing than being able to explore these interesting sites without worrying about how to get there, thanks to car rental Dublin Centre.

History

As the heart of this beautiful island, it is not surprising that this city continues to thrive today. There are quite a number of historical places that displays Ireland’s colourful past. To see landmarks such as the Kilmainham Gaol and the National Museum of Ireland, you should trust a car rental Dublin.

Before availing the services of a car rental Dublin, you should consider standard offers like Collision Damage Waiver, theft protection and 24-hour coverage, in case of breakdown. It would also be a plus if you are given a nice selection of model cars. Since you are not familiar with the area, receiving professional assistance will certainly come in handy. Your car rental provider must give importance to the quality of services they provide aside from offering them at affordable prices. It would be wise to compare services and prices before deciding on hiring one.

Getting intimate with Dublin is only possible if you can easily travel to and from all these places of interest. Being comfortable and relaxed is also very important. Discount Car Rental Ireland offer a 5% Discount on their rates throughout the year.

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Private Car Ban in Dublin City Center

It has come to light today that the Oireachtas Transport Committee plans to prevent private cars from accessing certain streets in the city centre such as O’Connell Street, Westmorland Street and College Green. The proposal would give public transport vehicles access to the central areas within Dublin while banning private cars completely.

The ban would coincide with the starting of construction work on Metro North and the Luas link between Connolly Station and St Stephens Green. Due to the economic downturn, construction on the Metro North is not now expected to start until 2011, however it is suggested that the car ban be implemented as soon as next year.

One of the main objections to this plan is the argument that there isn’t sufficient public transport facilities in Dublin to deal with the extra demand that would be placed on services if the ban was to proceed. The report recommended the acquisition of 350 new buses to cater for the suspected demand.

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Where to Stay in Ennis

If you are just passing through the town of Ennis then of course you will not find yourself in need of accommodation . . . yet there is just something so warm, so friendly, so simply, unassumingly welcoming about this quaint, picturesque little town in Country Clare . . . you are not to be blamed if you feel yourself drawn to it. If, on getting out of your car to just stretch your legs, catch a bite to eat and take a look around, you find yourself falling so in love with Ennis that you simply have top fin a place to spend at least one night, nobody will blame you; more than that, nobody will be surprised. You certainly aren’t the first to do so, and you definitely will not be the last.

Ennis offers a competitive selection of accommodation options, and visitors to the town are often pleased to learn it. There are several hotels available in Ennis, many of them enviably located near the town centre and a myriad of attractions. Many (although not all) of the hotels will offer guests ensuite baths in addition to comfortable, well thought out and well appointed guest rooms. Try a night at the Old Ground Hotel in the heart of town, or maybe stay a week at the chic Ashford Court Boutique Hotel, which also features a lovely restaurant.

Or, if bed and breakfast is more your style, Ennis can accommodate you there, too! There are a selection of bed and breakfast establishments for visitors to choose from. Try a night at Carbery House, or perhaps Newpark House, and revel in the comforts of a more intimate environment and service. Fountain Court is also popular, as is St Patrick’s Bed and Breakfast. Or, if you simply prefer self catering options, then simply bunk down in Baker’s House, and take care of your own needs— Ennis really has it all!

For nightlife in Ennis look no further than Knox’s Pub and Bistro which is centrally located. Ennis is situated north of Shannon Airport on the N21 and is very accessible from Galway, Limerick and Shannon Airport.

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